Strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_169-039’

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_169-039’. This new strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_169-039’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of West Central Florida, and is primarily characterized by its achenes typically set even with the surface of the fruit, firm fruit, high marketable yield, early time of first flower and fruit, and very large berry size.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Fragaria ananassa.

Variety denomination: ‘SB_14_169-039’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct strawberry variety named ‘SB_14_169-039’. This new variety is a result of a controlled cross made in 2014 in an ongoing breeding program between the unpatented strawberry variety designated ‘Red Merlin’ as the seed (female) parent, and the unreleased, unpatented strawberry breeding selection designated ‘BG_10_140-062’ as the pollen (male) parent. The variety is botanically known as Fragaria ananassa.

The seedling resulting from the aforementioned cross was selected from a controlled breeding plot in Hillsborough County, Fla. in the fall/winter of 2015-2016. After its selection, the new variety was asexually propagated by stolons in both Siskiyou County, Calif. and San Joaquin County, Calif. The new variety was extensively tested over the next several years in fruiting fields in Hillsborough County, Fla. This propagation has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein as characterizing the new variety are fixed and remain true-to-type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

‘SB_14_169-039’ is primarily adapted to the climate and growing conditions of West Central Florida. The subtropical climate of West Central Florida provides the day length and moderate temperatures needed to produce an early yielding, vigorous plant and maintain fruit quality during the fall and winter production months.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics of ‘SB_14_169-039’, which in combination distinguish this strawberry plant as a new and distinct variety:

-   -   1. Achenes typically set even with the surface of the fruit;     -   2. Firm fruit;     -   3. High marketable yield;     -   4. Early time of first flower and fruit; and     -   5. Very large berry size.

‘Florida Brilliance’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 30,564) is currently the dominant strawberry variety in Hillsborough County, Fla. The fruits of ‘SB_14_169-039’ are lighter in color, slightly more elongated, and less firm. The achenes of ‘Florida Brilliance’ are more sunken than those of ‘SB_14_169-039’ and its plant architecture is larger in size and more open. In side-by-side comparisons from the 2021-2022 season (Nov. 23, 2021 to Feb. 25, 2022) ‘SB_14_169-039’ compares with ‘Florida Brilliance’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 30,564) in the following combination of characteristics as described in Table 1.

TABLE 1 ‘Florida Brilliance’ (U.S. Plant Characteristic ‘SB_14_169-039’ Pat. No. 30,564) November marketable yield 90 18 (gm/pit) Season marketable yield 666 562 (grm/plt) November average berry size 24.5 20.8 (gm) Season average berry size (gm) 31.2 27.3 Average runners/plant 0.6 3.4

For identification, a series of molecular markers have been determined for this new variety.

‘SB_14_169-039’ compares with its parents, ‘Red Merlin’ and ‘BG_10_140-062’ by the following combination of characteristics as described in Tables 2 and 3.

TABLE 2 Characteristic ‘SB_14_169-039’ ‘Red Merlin’ Fruit: size Very Large Medium Fruit: marketable yield High Medium Fruit: firmness Firm Very firm Fruit: seed position Even with surface Slightly below to even with surface

TABLE 3 Characteristic ‘SB_14_169-039’ ‘BG_10_140-062’ Fruit: size Very Large Very large Fruit: marketable yield High Medium Fruit: firmness Firm Firm Fruit: seed position Even Even

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying color photographs illustrate the overall appearance of typical specimens of the new strawberry variety ‘SB_14_169-039’ at various stages of development, as true as it is reasonably possible with color reproductions of this type. Color in the photographs may differ slightly from the color value cited in the botanical descriptions which accurately describe the color of ‘SB_14_169-039’. The depicted plant and plant parts of the new strawberry variety ‘SB_14_169-039’ are approximately four months old. The photographs were taken in Hillsborough County, Fla.

FIG. 1 shows typical fruiting field characteristics of ‘SB_14_169-039’, taken in the month of February 2022;

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of a typical plant of ‘SB_14_169-039’, taken in the month of February 2022;

FIG. 3 shows typical mature and immature field fruit of ‘SB_14_169-039’, taken in the month of February 2022; and

FIG. 4 shows typical internal and external mature fruit characteristics of ‘SB_14_169-039’, taken in the month of February 2022.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new variety ‘SB_14_169-039’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The characteristics of the new variety ‘SB_14_169-039’ may vary in detail, depending upon variations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature, humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type and location. In addition, the characteristics of any parental variety or comparison variety included in Table 1 of the present invention may vary in detail, depending upon variations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature, humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type and location.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the following description of the new variety ‘SB_14_169-039’, unless otherwise noted, are based on observations taken during the 2021-2022 growing season in Hillsborough County, Fla. These measurements and ratings were taken from plants of ‘SB_14_169-039’ dug from a high-elevation nursery located in Siskiyou County, Calif. during mid-September 2021 and planted approximately four to five days later in Hillsborough County, Fla. The approximate age of the observed plants is four months. Yield observations including average weight and marketable yield, along with fruit quality characteristics including soluble solids, were measured during the 2021-2022 growing season. Flower measurements and characteristics are from secondary flowers unless otherwise noted. Fruit characteristics and measurements are from secondary fruit, unless otherwise noted.

Where noted, color terminology follows The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, London (2015).

The following characteristics describe fruit, plant, stolon, foliage, fruiting truss, flower, reproductive organs and pest and disease characteristics of the new strawberry ‘SB_14_169-039’.

-   Fruit characteristics:     -   -   Color of mature fruit.—RHS N34A (orange-red group).         -   Color of internal flesh (excluding core).—RHS 36D (red             group).         -   Color of core.—RHS 34A (orange-red group).         -   Average length (cm).—4.8.         -   Average width (cm).—4.2.         -   Size.—Very Large.         -   Average length/width ratio.—1.1 (ranges from as long as             broad to slightly longer than broad).         -   Average calyx diameter (cm).—4.7.         -   Season average weight (gm).—34.9.         -   Achene color, shaded side.—RHS 173A (greyed-orange group).         -   Achene color, sun-exposed side.—RHS 161A (greyed-yellow             group).         -   Average achene weight (mg).—<3.9.         -   Average achenes per berry.—253.         -   Average achene length (mm).—1.7.         -   Average achene width (mm).—1.0.         -   Season marketable yield (gm/plant).—910.         -   Predominant shape.—Conical.         -   Difference in shape between primary and secondary             fruit.—Ranges from moderate to large.         -   Band without achenes.—Narrow.         -   Evenness of surface.—Mostly even.         -   Evenness of color.—Even.         -   Glossiness.—Strong.         -   Insertion of achenes.—Even.         -   Position of calyx attachment.—Inserted.         -   Attitude of sepals.—Outward.         -   Size of calyx in relation to fruit diameter.—Slightly             Larger.         -   Adherence of calyx (when fully ripe).—Moderate.         -   Firmness of flesh (gf).—365.         -   Distribution of red color of the flesh.—Marginally and             central.         -   Hollow center expression.—Weak.         -   Average cavity length (mm).—23.9.         -   Average cavity width (mm).—8.3.         -   Soluble solids (% brix).—5.8.         -   Time of first flowering.—Early (early to mid-October in             Hillsborough County, Fla.).         -   Flowering season.—October-February.         -   Time of first fruit.—Early (mid-November in Hillsborough             County, Fla.).         -   Fruiting season.—November-March.         -   Post-harvest fruit longevity.—9-11 days if stored according             to industry standards.         -   Type of bearing.—Not remontant. -   Plant characteristics:     -   -   Average height (cm).—24.0.         -   Average spread (cm).—32.2.         -   Size.—Medium.         -   Habit.—Semi-upright.         -   Density.—Medium/High.         -   Vigor.—Medium. -   Stolon characteristics:     -   -   Color.—RHS N144D (yellow-green group).         -   Anthocyanin coloration.—RHS 174C (greyed-orange group).         -   Anthocyanin intensity.—Weak.         -   Pubescence.—Medium.         -   Attitude of hairs.—Slightly Outward.         -   Average quantity in nursery (per square foot).—10.3             (medium).         -   Average diameter at the bract (mm).—2.8 (medium).         -   Average length (cm).—30.6. -   Terminal leaflet characteristics:     -   -   Color of upper surface.—RHS 147A (yellow-green group).         -   Color of underside.—RHS 147B (yellow-green group).         -   Average length (cm).—7.5.         -   Average width (cm).—7.4.         -   Average area terminal (cm²).—55.5.         -   Average length/width ratio.—1.01 (as long as broad to very             slightly longer than broad).         -   Shape of base.—Obtuse.         -   Margins (shape of teeth).—Serrate to crenate.         -   Average serrations per leaf.—18.3. -   Foliage characteristics:     -   -   Color of upper surface.—RHS 147A (yellow-green group).         -   Color of underside.—RHS 147B (yellow-green group).         -   Number of leaflets.—3.         -   Leaf size.—Medium.         -   Average length (cm).—10.4.         -   Average width (cm).—13.1.         -   Average area foliage (cm ²).—135.6.         -   Shape in cross section.—Slightly concave.         -   Texture/interveinal blistering.—Medium.         -   Leaf glossiness.—Medium.         -   Leaf variegation.—Absent.         -   Venation pattern.—Pinnate.         -   Apex descriptor.—Obtuse.         -   Secondary leaflet average length (cm).—7.1.         -   Secondary leaflet average width (cm).—7.4. -   Petiole characteristics:     -   -   Petiole color.—RHS N144C (yellow-green group).         -   Average length (cm).—13.6.         -   Average diameter (mm).—3.0.         -   Petiolule color.—RHS 144C (yellow-green group).         -   Petiolule average length (mm).—7.2.         -   Average petiolule diameter (mm).—2.1.         -   Attitude of hairs.—Strongly outward.         -   Texture.—Moderately Smooth.         -   Frequency of bract leaflets.—Ranges from 0 to 2 (50%             occurrence).         -   Size of bract leaflets.—Small to Large.         -   Pubescence.—Light. -   Stipule characteristics:     -   -   Color.—RHS 145B (yellow-green group).         -   Anthocyanin coloration.—RHS 182C (greyed-red group).         -   Anthocyanin intensity.—Weak.         -   Average length (mm).—34.8.         -   Average width (mm).—8.9.         -   Base descriptor.—Truncate.         -   Apex descriptor.—Obtuse.         -   Shape.—Triangular.         -   Margin.—Smooth.         -   Texture.—Smooth. -   Fruiting truss characteristics:     -   -   Anthocyanin coloration.—N/A.         -   Anthocyanin intensity.—N/A.         -   Pubescence.—Medium.         -   Secondary fruiting truss average length at maturity             (cm).—19.5.         -   Attitude at first pick.—Prostrate.         -   Position relative to foliage.—Ranges from level with to             below.         -   Flower quantity (average per plant season long).—50.5             (high).         -   Average fruits per truss.—9.5.         -   Pedicel attitude of hairs.—Strongly upward.         -   Average pedicel length (cm).—15.8.         -   Average pedicel diameter (mm).—2.0.         -   Pedicel texture.—Smooth.         -   Pedicel color.—RHS 144B (yellow-green group).         -   Average peduncle length (cm).—4.9.         -   Average peduncle diameter (mm).—3.0.         -   Peduncle texture.—Smooth.         -   Peduncle color.—N/A. -   Flower characteristics:     -   -   Flower bud shape.—Pyriform.         -   Average flower bud length (mm).—17.8.         -   Average flower bud diameter (mm).—7.3.         -   Flower bud color.—RHS 146B (yellow-green group).         -   Flower depth (mm).—9.9.         -   Corolla (flower) average diameter (mm).—30.5 (ranges from             medium to large).         -   Upper petal color.—RHS NN155A (white group).         -   Lower petal color.—RHS N155D (white group).         -   Petal shape.—Orbicular.         -   Petal apex descriptor.—Rounded.         -   Petal margin.—Smooth.         -   Petal base.—Decurrent.         -   Petal texture.—Smooth.         -   Petal average length (mm).—13.6.         -   Petal average width (mm).—13.1.         -   Petal average length/width ratio.—1.04 (as long as broad to             slightly longer than broad).         -   Average petals per flower.—5.7.         -   Relative position of petals (flowers with 5 or 6             petals).—Overlapping.         -   Upper sepal color.—RHS 139A (green group).         -   Lower sepal color.—RHS 138B (green group).         -   Sepal shape.—Cuneate.         -   Sepal apex descriptor.—Obtuse.         -   Sepal margin.—Serrate.         -   Sepal texture.—Moderately Smooth.         -   Sepal average length (mm).—15.5.         -   Sepal average width (mm).—7.5.         -   Sepal average length/width ratio.—2.5.         -   Average sepals per flower.—12.1.         -   Calyx average diameter (mm).—36.5.         -   Size of calyx relative to corolla.—Larger.         -   Size of inner calyx relative to outer calyx.—Smaller. -   Reproductive organs:     -   -   Receptacle color.—RHS 149D (yellow-green group).         -   Pollen color.—RHS 17A (yellow-orange group).         -   Stamen.—Present.         -   Average filament length (mm).—2.6.         -   Filament color.—RHS 1D (green-yellow group).         -   Average anther length (mm).—1.2.         -   Anther shape.—Ovoid.         -   Anther color.—RHS 17A (yellow-orange color).         -   Average pistils per flower.—253.         -   Pistil length (mm).—1 to 2.         -   Style length (mm).—0.5 to 1 mm.         -   Style color.—RHS 1D (green-yellow group).         -   Stigma diameter (mm).—<0.1.         -   Stigma shape.—Simple.         -   Ovary color.—RHS 149C (yellow-green group).         -   Pollen amount.—Abundant. -   Disease and pest reactions:     -   -   Colletotrichum crown rot (Colletotrichum             gloeosporioides).—Susceptible.         -   Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum).—Resistant.         -   Pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot (Neopestalotiopsis             sp.).—Moderately Susceptible.         -   Phytophthora crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum).—Moderately             Susceptible. 

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_169-039’, as herein described and illustrated by the characteristics set forth above. 